Goals from Mauro Roca and José Gaitán sealed a fantastic win for the Yellows against the English side
After their victory over Juventus (1-0) in the previous match, Villarreal’s U19s earned a second consecutive win in the Youth League thanks to an outstanding first-half performance against Manchester City. The goals for the Yellows came from Mauro Roca and José Gaitán.
The game began at a high tempo from both teams. In the very first minute, City threatened with a direct free kick from Mukasa that Pau Polo did well to save with a fine stop. Moments later, in the 15th minute, the Yellows replied when Unai Rodríguez tested the keeper with a powerful strike from the edge of the box.
Just six minutes later, Mauro Roca opened the scoring with a lightning-fast counterattack (1-0, m.21). The visitors had a chance to equalise from the penalty spot, but Mukasa failed to convert. Villarreal then extended their lead when José Gaitán found the net to make it 2-0 (m.29), giving his team a strong advantage at the break.
In the second half, Manchester City pushed higher up the pitch in search of a goal. The English side created several dangerous chances through McAidoo down the right and Divine Mukasa. It was Mukasa who finally reduced the deficit (2-1, m.61) after skilfully beating the Villarreal defence. Ben Wilkinson’s side continued to press, but the Yellows’ solid defending and another impressive performance from Pau Polo in goal ensured the victory.
Villarreal’s U19s now celebrate their second consecutive win in the Youth League and turn their focus to their next fixture against Pafos FC.
